Substance Abuse
Adderall and Ritalin Abuse: The Quest for Concentration
Need an intense study session before finals? Taking a prescription stimulant to keep you awake and focused may do more harm than good! College campuses around the nation are waking up to their students using prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, to do better in classes. Many colleges and universities have added sections to their policies and procedures for disciplinary actions to be taken against students using these prescriptions illegally (that is without a prescription). The University of Iowa, as a part of its policy on illicit drug use, can discipline students found to be using prescription drugs illegally. As college students, it is important to understand these drugs and know why it is risky to take them without a prescription.
Facts
Many people across the nation need to take prescription stimulants to control symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the production of these drugs has increased so much it leaves many people wondering if they are being over-prescribed and over-used. The production of Ritalin increased nearly 900% between 1990 and 2000, and the production of Adderall increased by 5,767% from 1993 to 2001 (Hall, K.M., 2005). The fact is there is no reliable test to determine if one has ADHD. The diagnosis generally involves an interview with a psychiatrist who judges symptoms and compares them to the criteria set forth and then determines if one has ADHD. Some college students may even fake symptoms in order to get a prescription for studying, partying and selling. Sometimes students who obtain the drugs legally end up sharing with 'friends in need.' Those who are taking these drugs illegally are usually un-aware of the side effects and possible problems associated with use.
Side effects
The list of side effects associated with Adderall and Ritalin use seems endless. These prescription drugs are stimulants in a class with amphetamines, meth-amphetamines, and cocaine. Of course, the effects of prescription stimulants are not as severe as with illegal drugs, but they can still be very detrimental to one's health, especially when used unnecessarily. The effects one may encounter when using prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin include: dizziness, blurred vision, restlessness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, anxiety and nervousness, headaches, diarrhea or constipation, impotence, and/or change in sex drive. The FDA approved Adderall less than 10 years ago, so the long-term effects are still being investigated. Recently, researchers have found a possible link between cardiac arrhythmias and children taking prescription stimulants. Taking these drugs without physician supervision may have unintended effects on your heart and overall health. Treatment for other health issues, such as an emergency, may also change if you are taking a prescription stimulant. If your health records do not indicate you are taking Adderall or Ritalin, the health care you receive may interact with these medications and cause further complications.
Consequences
So, while you might admit that taking these drugs improperly may be risky we're sure some of you still would rather not give up your helpful study partner. Keep in mind that UI policy states, "sanctions which may be imposed for possession or use of alcohol and other drugs in violation of the Code of Student Life include a written warning, probation, mandatory substance abuse evaluation, suspension, or expulsion." The University takes these offenses very seriously; their action will depend on number and severity of offenses. Selling or using Adderall or Ritalin illicitly (contrary to or forbidden by law), can also carry heavy criminal charges. Both criminal and campus penalties may be pursued. Adderall and Ritalin are considered schedule III controlled substances, which means -
- The drug or other substance has a potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in schedules I and II,
- The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and
- Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
Illegal possession and/or distribution of a schedule III controlled substance is a class C felony in Iowa. Minimum requirements for first time class C charges include a $1000 fine, 48 hours in prison, and the possibility of 1) being ineligible for federal benefits for a year (these include your student loans), and/or 2) required successful completion of drug treatment, and/or 3) community service. The minimums are bad enough, but the maximums are even worse: a $10,000 fine and 10 years in prison! Keep in mind that drug policy and enforcement are constantly changing. We can't necessarily predict how penalties will be handed down even by looking at past cases. Judges and court systems do have some latitude in sentencing.
The trouble you may encounter with the law may be enough to get you thinking about not using stimulants illegally. Another point which hits home for all of us is reporting these offenses on job applications. When you graduate and begin applying for your career, you may have to mention and possibly explain why you possessed or used a controlled substance illegally. This information may be embarrassing to share and worse yet, in the chance that the position is competitive, you may be denied a job based on past arrests. Be sure to think of your future, both your physical health and your career, before you use Adderall or Ritalin illegally, it may save you some pain and suffering.
Tips for studying
College involves a delicate (and seemingly impossible) balance of classes, studying, jobs, family, friends, and socializing. Finals or midterm weeks can present an even bigger problem when you may be taking many very important exams in the same week. Studying can be difficult and concentration can dwindle. Many students find themselves doing anything, and we mean anything, to avoid studying (you know, your roommate who spends hours cleaning your apartment during finals week - why does a clean apartment seem so important in December?).
To help exam weeks go better and to relieve some of the last minute strain on your body you may consider some of these helpful hints:
- Start studying early - even a few weeks before your test, it never hurts to get a jump-start.
- Make a specific and realistic study schedule, for example: look over chapters 1 and 2 on Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, etc. Break large tasks into realistic chunks.
- Identify tasks that can be completed in smaller time frames (15-30 minutes). Use time in between classes or other tasks to study. If you wait until you have 3 uninterrupted hours to study, you might find it never comes! Students with the best study skills tend to use those small chunks of time scattered throughout the day to make a dent in large projects.
- Go somewhere to study where you won't be distracted (coffee shop, library, outside at a park).
- Reward yourself as much as needed (a candy break for every hour studying, a walk around to talk to friends for every chapter read, a glance at your favorite web page for each page written).
- Plan an arrival and departure time. If you know you need to get so much done in two hours, your more likely to work hard for those two hours than saying you'll stay till you finish (you'll give yourself more time to just space off because you don't have a deadline).
- Get your rest. Although staying up all night to study may seem like the answer, sleeping and being well rested during an exam will keep your mind sharper and you more relaxed.
Really struggling?
If you feel you have a legitimate study skill or concentration problem, or if you think you might really need medications, help is available. Student Health Service has psychiatrists on staff that can do a detailed assessment to determine your needs. To schedule, call 335-8380. University Counseling Service can also work with you on study skills, stress management, and any other problems you may experience. They can be reached at 335-7294. Don't make these decisions on your own. The risks are serious and real.
Page updated: 3/27/08
